"A Scout is reverent." All Scouts show this by being faithful in their duty to God. Some go further and give special service. This can qualify them for a religious emblem. Such an emblem is not a Scouting award. It is conferred on a Scout by his religious leader. Each faith has its own requirements for earning its emblem.
Several religious emblems programs are administered by various religious institutions and recognized, but not sponsored, by the BSA. These are generally recognized by a medal and an embroidered square knot.

The medals are usually only worn on special occasions, pinned immediately above the top of the left pocket flap of the uniform shirt.

A silver square knot on a purple background is permanently displayed on the uniform above the left pocket to denote that the wearer has received the corresponding award as a youth. If a religious award is earned as a Cub Scout, the square knot device for youth may be worn on all subsequent uniforms: Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venture, and Scouter. A knot device may be used to indicate during which level of Scouting the award was earned.

Adult Religious Knot

Created:

bef. 1973

Level:

Adult Scouters

Youth Religious Knot

Created:

1971

Level:

All Youth

Sources for requirements

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs. Check with your local council service center or contact the religious organization directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.

Listed below are the emblems and where to find out about them. Before writing or visiting your local council service center, check with your religious leader.